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Man, just seeing this beer makes me happy. It makes me think of the song by The Hives. If you haven’t heard it, go look it up. Anyway, Brutus is an American Strong Ale, one of my favorite styles, pretty excited for this one. Continue reading →

But seriously folks, I’m actually doing a review of Pabst Blue Ribbon.
Few beers have as much controversy attached to them. The biggest baggage PBR carries of course, is the hipster deal. All hipsters like PBR, and only hipsters like PBR, or something like that. Since when does one group of people have sole enjoyment rights of a certain beer? I seriously actually enjoy PBR, and am not afraid to admit it.

My earliest memories are of course the commercials in the 90s, wherein the infamous phrase P.B.R.M.E.A.S.A.P. came about. I remember that even as a kid having no idea what beer was. My first experience actually drinking PBR was a pretty interesting one as well, and involves a bit of a confession. It was a cold night. I made my friend Emily Bartos stand out in the cold to model for one of my art project photographs. Something about light coming out of this pipe or whatever. She was a trooper (= On my way back to campus I realized it was going to be a looooong long night of watching prints roll off the giant Epson, and running down to the printmaking studio to check on my copper etchings. So I did what any sensible college student would do… I stopped at the grocery store close by, and hauled a 12 pack up to the print studio with me (hid in my backpack, naturally). I think I drank the whole pack that night. Maybe I kept some in my locker, I don’t really remember. Ahhhhh college.

When it comes down to American Lagers, I am generally quite critical. I think Bud Light is just about the worst thing one could drink, Miler Lite is somewhat acceptable at weddings when it’s free or at sporting events when pitchers are cheap. But if there’s any choice, I’m picking PBR.

The design. This is honestly one of my favorite pieces of design in the beer world. I absolutely love the classic style, the ribbon and the script writing on the can, along with the red white and blue. It has this feel of legacy and importance, and I think that’s why I chose it that day heading to the studio. Plus I didn’t want bud or miller, and I got a kick out of those old commercials.

Usually I drink these out of my beautiful Schlitz stein (which you can see in the background, and I’ll review that beer soon btw). I know you all know what this stuff pours like, but I had to take the picture. Somehow, drinking this out of a pint glass doesn’t feel right, but that’s okay.

The aroma. Well, it smells like beer. I mean there’s a hint of hops and yeast. There aren’t any real distinctive flavors present in the smell, just a generic beer smell. If you go by that alone, it’s not going to win you over.

It has a pleasant smooth mouthfeel that’s very light. There isn’t much body, but it goes down real real easy. Like, I could drink ten of these, easy. I wouldn’t recommend that though, you’ll be sitting in the bathroom for a while the next day.

Call me crazy, but I do really enjoy the taste of this beer. It does have a sort of tinniness to it, but it’s a nice balance. It’s not spectacular, but in my eyes it kicks the crap out of other “light” beers. It definitely subscribes to the high carbonation of typical American Lagers, so hey, if you’re craving bubbles, forget a soda, reach for a PBR (=

There’s not really any bitterness in the taste or the aftertaste. For the crowd looking for the easy drink that’s a plus for sure. I don’t mind it either though. And to be honest, even though it’s not like a high ABV IPA, but for some reason it always gets to me a bit. It’s probably because I always drink it from the Tall Boys. I mean, come on, how can you resist a 16oz can? Four of them for $3.49? Seriously.

This is not an amazing mind blowing beer. But it’s not supposed to be. It’s not supposed to blow you away with hops or make you reel with bitterness, it’s supposed to be pleasant and cheap and fun. And for those qualities it measures up great, and it will always be one of my favorites. And now for the photos. Yeah, maybe I went a bit overboard, but I don’t care. It was fun (= Enjoy.

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Salutations!
Thanks for checking out the beercyclist. I'm an avid cyclist, beer afficianado, husband, and a dad of four children. Life is never boring! Let me know if there are any cool beers I need to write about, and hit me up if you wanna ride together (= Enjoy!